Alliance Seek First Win Against Rattlers on Saturday Night

May 25, 2024
Kyle Ramnarine

The Saskatchewan Rattlers host the Montréal Alliance on Saturday in a cross-conference showdown. 


The game begins at 7:30 p.m. CT / 9:30 p.m. ET at Saskatchewan’s SaskTel Centre, with live coverage available on CEBL+ powered by BetVictor, TSN+ and on the CEBL mobile app available for iOS and Android devices. It will also be televised nationally on Game+, and available on NLSE in the United States. 


The Montréal Alliance enter the game against the Rattlers hungry for a win after suffering a 75-95 loss to the Vancouver Bandits on Thursday. 


The Rattlers should be on the lookout for Alliance guard Ahmed Hill. Hill is coming off a fantastic 2023 CEBL season averaging 20.4 points per game, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. He was also named to the 2023 All-CEBL Second Team and was Montréal’s offensive player of the year. Hill has a vast skill set, he can put the ball on the floor and create his own shot off the dribble, spot up from three, or take it to the rim when needed. He’s also a great defender, not afraid to take on the challenge of guarding the opposing team's best player or helping to force turnovers. 


Montréal also bolstered its roster with former NBA G League player, Chris Smith. In the Alliance's last game against the Bandits, Smith showed out by leading the team in scoring with 18 points and grabbing nine rebounds. He was able to show off his ability to space the floor by knocking down 66 per cent of his three pointers and converting on 80 per cent of his two-point field goals. 


However, the Rattlers have some heavy hitters of their own that the Alliance should be on the lookout for. 


Saskatchewan signed 6-foot-5 guard Jalen Harris. Harris has had experience in the NBA, NBA G League, CEBL, Italy, and Puerto Rico.  He played two seasons with the Scarborough Shooting Stars averaging 19.6 points per game, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. Harris recently made his debut for Saskatchewan against Winnipeg in stellar fashion. He led the team in scoring with 23 points, while also dishing out the ball four times, and grabbing three rebounds.


Saskatchewan also picked up 6-foot-9 forward Grant Basile. Alongside Harris, Basile showed out against Winnipeg with 16 points and 14 rebounds on 54 per cent from the field. The forward's size and athleticism will prove to be a problem for the Alliance to deal with. 


Key matchup


Fans should be looking for the clash of two titans in this game. Montreal’s Alliance Ahmed Hill taking on Saskatchewan’s Rattlers Jalen Harris.


In their only match-up last season, Ahmed Hill had himself a game as well. He scored 20 points, grabbing five rebounds and dishing out three assists. He was also able to snatch himself two steals. 


Jalen Harris is also coming off a great game against Winnipeg and looking to keep up his high level of play.


If either of these teams want to walk away with the victory, they are going to have to find ways to slow down or stop these scorers from establishing a rhythm and running away with the game. 


Milestone watch

  • Montréal’s Ahmed Hill is 18 points away from hitting 1,000 regular season points.
  • Montréal’s Alain Louis is one assist away from hitting 200 regular season assists. 


2023 season series


Saskatchewan beat Montréal  88-79 in their only meeting on June 28 last season. 


- CEBL -


About the CEBL

A league created by Canadians for Canadians with a mission to develop Canadian players, coaches, sports executives, and referees, the CEBL boasts the highest percentage of Canadian players of any pro league in the country with 75% of its rosters being Canadian and a record 10 players with NBA experience in 2024. Players also bring experience from the NBA G League, top international pro leagues, the Canadian National team program, NCAA programs, as well as U SPORTS and CCAA. Fourteen players have signed NBA contracts following a CEBL season, and numerous CEBL players attend NBA G League training camps every year. The CEBL season runs from May through August with games broadcast live on CEBL+ powered by BetVictor, TSN, TSN+, RDS, Game+, Next Level Sports & Entertainment and Courtside1891. More information about the CEBL is available at CEBL.ca and @cebleague on InstagramTwitterTikTokLinkedInFacebook & YouTube.

February 19, 2026
The Winnipeg Sea Bears today announce the signing of Canadian guard David Walker. Walker most recently appeared for the Ottawa BlackJacks in the 2025 Canadian Elite Basketball League season, where on Aug. 16 2025, in a playoff game, he had a standout performance, scoring 19 points, grabbing 4 rebounds, and recording 3 steals in 25 minutes. Prior to his time in Ottawa, he suited up for the Scarborough Shooting Stars in 2025. Walker was also recognized as a finalist for the 2024 CEBL Developmental Player of the Year award. In addition, Walker was a finalist for the 2023 U SPORTS Player of the Year award, recognizing his outstanding performance at the university level and cementing his reputation as one of Canada’s top basketball talents. Over his CEBL career, playing for Brampton Honey Badgers, Scarborough Shooting Stars, and Ottawa BlackJacks, Walker has averaged 8.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game. “David fits the identity we’re building. He’s a tough, physical Canadian guard with league experience who strengthens our Canadian depth,” said Lead Assistant Coach and Assistant General Manager Alex Campbell. “He defends with purpose, plays hard, and gets downhill offensively. We believe he has tremendous upside, and I think Sea Bears Nation is going to appreciate the way he competes and works every single day.” Walker was originally selected 22nd overall in the 2024 CEBL Draft and began his professional career with the Brampton Honey Badgers, where he averaged 7.3 points and 2.8 rebounds in 16 games during the 2024 season. Before turning professional, Walker starred at Toronto Metropolitan University, averaging 16.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists during the 2023–24 season. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to join the Sea Bears,” said Walker. “Winnipeg has built something special, and I’m coming in ready to bring toughness, versatility, and a winning mindset every time I step on the floor.” ###
February 19, 2026
Le premier président de l'histoire de la ligue assume un rôle de leadership élargi alors que la ligue professionnelle de basketball du Canada amorce sa prochaine phase de croissance
February 19, 2026
League’s first-ever President takes on expanded leadership role as Canada’s professional basketball league enters its next phase of growth
February 17, 2026
The four-year CEBL veteran and former Harvard standout joins Brampton after winning a championship with Scarborough in 2023
February 13, 2026
Cerda is currently an Assistant Coach in the Los Angeles Lakers organization.
February 12, 2026
The Vancouver Bandits, BC’s professional basketball team in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), are committed to making a positive impact through basketball and growing the game across British Columbia, and this dedication was highlighted this past week in Kelowna and the Okanagan area. Coming off the recent announcement of Kelowna HOOPFEST, a brand-new basketball festival featuring a CEBL neutral-site home game in partnership with the City of Kelowna, Bandits head coach Kyle Julius spent time at five Okanagan-area secondary schools and both of Kelowna’s post-secondary men’s basketball teams, as part of the Vancouver Bandits third-annual Bandits School Tour. Julius and Bandits staff visited Mount Boucherie Secondary School, Immaculata Regional High School, Okanagan Mission Secondary, Rutland Secondary School and Kelowna Secondary, as well as the men’s basketball teams at UBC Okanagan and Okanagan College, providing dedicated and tailored practices along with motivational talks and training materials. Launched in 2023, the Bandits School Tour is supported by the Bandits Community Foundation, Preston Chevrolet and Envision Financial and offers a unique opportunity for student-athletes and volunteer coaches to learn directly from BC’s only professional basketball coach. “What stood out most during our visit was the impact basketball can have when it is rooted in mentorship and connection; it is clear how vibrant the basketball and business ecosystem is in the Okanagan,” said Bandits team president Dylan Kular. “We are thankful to the Okanagan and Kelowna communities for welcoming us so openly, and this is only the beginning. We are committed to being present and intentional in the lead-up to Kelowna HOOPFEST from June 5th to 7th.” In addition to the Bandits School Tour, Julius and members of Bandits staff had the opportunity to connect with various Okanagan business, media and community leaders, including attending the 51st annual Western Canada Tournament at Kelowna Secondary and a Kelowna Rockets hockey game. ###
February 11, 2026
Montréal native and team captain returns after a standout 2025 season with the Alliance
February 11, 2026
Le Montréalais d'origine et capitaine de l'équipe fait son retour après une saison 2025 exceptionnelle avec l'Alliance.
February 10, 2026
The franchise's leader in games played and three-pointers made returns to Ottawa for 2026.
February 10, 2026
Le meneur de la franchise en matchs disputés et en tirs à trois points retourne à Ottawa pour 2026.